Quality Improvement in Nursing Homes and Care Homes

Updated 30 October 2026 · Educational resource

Quality improvement (QI) is a systematic approach to making care safer and more effective. Nursing homes and care homes that participate in public programs are expected to monitor outcomes, identify problems, and test changes that lead to better results for residents.

Common QI focus areas

• Reducing falls and pressure injuries
• Improving medication safety
• Preventing infections
• Enhancing resident and family satisfaction
• Reducing unnecessary hospital transfers
• Supporting staff retention and training

In the US, CMS quality measures and the Quality Improvement Organization program support this work. In the UK, CQC expects providers to have systems for monitoring and improving quality. Families can ask a home what it is currently working to improve and how it tracks progress. Transparent homes share both successes and areas still under review.

Disclaimer: Quality improvement methods vary. This page provides general information only.

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